Asinity

Hey everyone, a short while ago I bought a 21 gallon tank for the condo my fiance and I will be moving into next month. I was originally considering a freshwater tank, but lately after visiting Big Al's Aquarium Services store I have started considering a saltwater tank but have no idea where to begin!

I've already decided that if I do go this way, I will be using live-rock.

She really likes Tangs and Clownfish, reading the profiles I can already tell that a Tang will be a no go, but Clownfish seem like they could be good for a tank this size. Any other species a beginner should consider? I also like the Benggai Cardinal Fish and all of the Damselfish, which seem to be other possible choices after looking at the profiles. Would a 21 Gallon be okay for a few Blue or green chromis?

For water testing, I bought individual tests for my two bettas, but a Master Kit would probably be best for this project, wouldn't it? What other equipment/conditioners should I get? My tank kit came with an Aquaclear 30 filter, Aquaclear 30 heater, 2 fluorescent slots (Aqua-Glo and Sun-Glo bulbs included) and a few other knick-knacks not really needing mentioning.

Any and all advice is definitely going to be appreciated. Thanks a lot.

agsansoo

You've come to the right place !!
1) Say no to Tangs, the tanks size is too small. IMO say no to damsels also, very territorial and will bullies other tank mate if introduced first into a new tank setup. Say yes to a clown fish or Benggai Cardinals or Blue or Green Chromis, these are great fish for the beginner
2) Test kits to start with, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate a must during cycling. Then add alkalinity, pH, calcium and magnesium later on if you decide on buying corals.
3) The Aquaclear 30 filter is good for running carbon only. (I'm a big carbon fan , for water clarity). Saltwater filtration is very simple, live rock, deep sand bed and water flow (powerheads). That's it ! Though IMO protein skimming is a big bonus too !! A protein skimmer can be added after your tank cycles (2-10 weeks). I used BIO-Spira for saltwater tanks to speed my tank cycling.
4) Lighting depends on what you want in your tank. The bulbs you have are general purpose lighting, ideal for fish only tanks, somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
5) Be patience ... Go slow ... !

Miss Mouse

Yeah, thats the advice I can offer - go very very slowly. And read about everything!

Asinity

Can you use the same rule of thumb for amount of fish in a tank that freshwater uses? Or should I give them more room?

I highly doubt I will get into coral... for now. So will ph, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate tests be okay? Can I run foam in my Aquaclear if I so chose, or is it really not necessary?

agsansoo

Yes you can if this will be fish only. Remember to research each fish's max adult size and eating habits before you buy. Also those test kits will be fine. As for the foam and sponges. You can use them if you like, they just need to be changed every 3 or 4 day or your tank will build up excess nitrates. If your not going to have very much live rock in the tank, I would leave the sponges in and replace the carbon and the floss once a week.

Asinity

Ahh I see, so with live-rock I don't need the extra filtration beyond carbon. I had been planning on going live-rock route so would I still be able to get a Clownfish and a Cardinal Fish? Or a few chromis?

Now that I think about it, would I even need external filtration with liverock? If I don't, what kind of effect will that have on the tank?

agsansoo

That's correct (20-30 Lbs) Live rock, 4" DSB and (2) powerheads plus 10% water changes weekly. Run carbon when the water starts to look yellow. A Clownfish and a Cardinal Fish and few chromis would be fine.

Asinity

I remember that a worker at the nearby fish store told me to never vacuum the sand in a saltwater tank, is he right about this?

Would I need a sump for this tank? Any brand-specific protein skimmers I should consider? Powerheads?

agsansoo

Well I wouldn't say never, though you should allow the tanks water flow keep debris suppended in the water column until it is skimmed out. Also can get a few sand sifting stars or Nassarius snails to keep the sand clean. As for a skimmer, any small skimmer rated up to 75 gallon should be more then enough (stay away from SeaClone and Prizm). A sump for your tank isn't necessary, but they're real nice to have . 10 gallon on up. Powerheads, Maxi-Jet's are real popular. Maybe two Maxi-Jet 600's should do. I like Rio's, Maxi-Jet and my favorite is Koralia. Hope this helps !

Miss Mouse

I dont have any external filtration with my live rock - i just have 2 powerheads with a carbon filter and a floss filter. It was scary taking that first step without a canister filter but it works fine! My AquaC protein skimmer does the job very well!

simo83

hi guys also new hear, when i first start the tank going IE water live rock for circling when should i start the protein skimmer? straight away or later on?

atmmachine816

I would leave out the DSB, a 21 gallont tank isn't that tall and the 4" will take up space, not look that great and from what I've read DSB's aren't that great and tend to not work after awhile. You could use it in a sump if you wanted. Just my thought.